Govt. plans to expand teaching of Maths, Science in schools: PM
Prime Minister (PM) Ranil Wickremesinghe this week disclosed that Government plans to expand teaching of Maths and Science in schools. PM Wickremesinghe was speaking as the Chief Guest at the first Awards Ceremony at Benedict XVI Catholic Institute for Higher Education, formerly known as Benedict XVI Cultural Institute, at Bolawalana, Negombo.
“I need not mention the problems we have within the school sector. We don't have sufficient teachers, and teach A/L Science and Maths only in a limited number of schools. We want to expand this. So, we decided to get another 2,000 Science and Maths Graduates," he said.
“We can't get them through the National University system. So, the Government and the Provincial Councils have now decided to recruit those with the minimum A/L qualifications. We give them an opportunity to join the teaching service and, while teaching, they are also allowed follow a Degree," the PM explained.
"We are looking to do this in the field of English too. We are focusing on how we could train them. We could line up with institutions like these and Aquinas, that could help us get the necessary people for English,” the PM said.
"We need Managerial skills. We need middle level skills and Language skills. It is merely a question of having skilled or semi-skilled staff," he added.
The Benedict XVI Catholic Institute for Higher Education is affiliated to Aquinas University College in Colombo, and is the only Green Higher Educational Institution in Sri Lanka, situated in a tranquil and picturesque environment.
Speaking on the occasion, His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjit thanked the PM for participating in the first Awards Ceremony in history, and also for handing over this land to the Church, after it was taken over in the '60s.
“I know sir, your personal involvement and interest in the matter of Education. I had a number of discussions with you on the importance of addressing Education, so that our youth could be given the opportunity to have some career guidance. In 1971, we had a rebellion, and 16 years later, another one. Our country was torn by lot of violence and had incredible amount of suffering."
"It is always necessary that we educate our youth to a disciplined existence and also help them move forward in life. It is true that we have many institutes of Higher Education now, when compared with a few decades ago. You may have all the knowledge, but if you are not a human being and not aware of the dignity and greatness, and cannot contribute to society, then our Education is a failure.’ His Eminence concluded.
Among the distinguished guests who graced the occasion were the Auxiliary Bishop of Colombo His Lordship Rt. Rev. Emmanuel Fernando, Ministers John Amarathunga, Sudharshani Fernandopulle and other religious dignitaries.
This institute, started with only 65 students, now has 2,237 students following various courses at Degree level. It also offers courses on IELTS, TKT etc.
Richard Perera